Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from February, 2009
Ethiopia: Baalu Girma Foundation Formed
Arefe announces the formation of the Baalu Girma Foundation. Baalu is the famous Ethiopian writer and journalist who was abducted 25 years ago by the Ethiopian military. He has not been heard since that time.
Nigeria: NaijaPulse: Nigerian Microblogging Service
Loy's analysis of NaijaPulse, a new Nigerian microblogging service: “Unlike Twitter, the site allows you to create groups, features users and has a link for popular posts. If you favour a post, it will be featured as a POPULAR on the right sidebar. You can also tag a word by...
Blogging Positively: Join the Global Conversation on HIV/AIDS
This Valentine's Day (February 14) marks not only the start of a Global Voices campaign asking people to “Teach Someone You Love to Blog or Micro-Blog,” it also kicks off a series of health-related activities focused on HIV/AIDS to encourage more people infected and affected by the disease to blog....
Madagascar: Rumors terrorize Antananarivo
Truth and freedom of speech and opinion seem to be victims of the political crisis that is now crippling Madagascar. Threats are being made and rumors being spread, all contributing to a climate of terror that prohibits peace and normal life. Jentilisa, a blogger who has not given his support...
Nigeria: Giving poets a space in national discussion
An initiative in Nigeria to give poets a role in national dialogue: Infocentrix Concept Publishing, ICP is set out to give voice to poets to participate in National discussion.
Nigeria: Coach Annoys Super Eagles Fans
Why are Super Eagle's fans annoyed with their national team coach Amodu Shuaibu? Nigeria’s Football Fans Blog has the details.
New Zimbabwe Has Arrived, But…
MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in Wednesday as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe in a historic move to establish a government of national unity after years of political, economic and social crises. The swearing in of Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to pave way for the revival of the economy and bring about rule of law and genuine democratic changes. Following this historic move, we decided to look at the voices, analyses and mood of Zimbabweans in the blogosphere.
Sudan: Video Declarations on Darfur Genocide by the Perpetrators
A video recently released by Aegis Trust shows the testimony of four men who state they actively participated in the violence and massacres on Darfur, and who are not afraid to call it genocide. The video was uploaded on The Hub and it is hoped that people will see it and then pass it on to others in order to spread this information.
Trinidad & Tobago: Transitioning
“We have created a rich and wonderful culture that is unique to Trinidad and Tobago…but sometimes I wonder if we are just waiting for the bottom to drop out”: Trin ruminates on education, crime and government policy in the wider context of international politics.
Africa: Internet Revolution Is Here!
GlobalAdvances blog looks at the future of the Internet on the African continent noting that, “Bandwith to Africa is expected to grow dramatically as the continent is gaining internet connectivity faster than any other region in the world.”
Ukraine: ‘Faina’ Sailors Charged $200 for Phone Calls
Petro's Jotter writes that “the sailors released from the Ukrainian owned vessel ‘Faina’, that was captured by Somali pirates last September, have been charged 200 USD for phonecalls made while in captivity”: “I suppose it will help offset the 3.2M USD ransom.”
Uganda: Behind The Mirror
Sokari writes about the documentary Behind the Mirror, which investigates and advocates for responses to the many challenges faced by the LGBTI community in Uganda.
Eritrea: Ministry of Information: Explain Please!
Why does the Eritrean blogger, Sam B, demands an explanation from the Eritrean Ministry of Information? Follow his post at African Path.
Cote d'Ivoire: The Little Sack Dress
Emeka posts a video of Ms Camara from Ivory Coast discussing her dress making business.
Nigeria: Nigerians abroad have the right to vote
Akin discusses the ruling by a Nigerian court that Nigerian abroad be allowed to vote in Nigerian elections without the need to return home.
Nigeria: Why is Nigeria's Connectivity Scorecard very low?
Loy analyses the Connectivity Scorecard 2009, which shows that Nigeria has the lowest ICT penetration, usage, potential and accessiblity out of 50 countries of the world.
Madagascar : Bloggers react to Red Saturday's bloodshed
Since riots and lootings claimed fifty dead in Madagascar on January 26, the situation has become bleaker. Saturday, February 07 was an even bloodier day. Dubbed “Red Saturday” by some, it saw the presidential guard fire upon a crowd of protesters who had gathered outside the Presidential palace of Ambohitsirohitra. The crowd...
Malawi: Of Election Fever and Going Digital
The week gone has been a politically hot one for many Malawians as they have seen their presidential and parliamentary candidates present their nominations papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission ahead of the May 19 polls. By the end of the exercise, about 10 have presented their papers and presidential candidates and several hundreds to compete for the 193 seats in parliament.
Madagascar: More than 25 killed in march to presidential palace
At least 25 people were shot dead today in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo during a march to the presidential palace called by the city's mayor Andry Rajoelina after he declared himself the leader of a new transitional government at a political rally. In the past weeks, a power struggle between the mayor and the president Marc Ravalomanana has led to both violence and looting.
What does Krill Fishing and Sandalwood Harvesting Have in Common?
At first glance, there is no way Krill and Sandalwood could have anything in common: one is a sea animal and the other is a land plant. If you examine the plight of both species of biodiversity, then there are some similarities. World renowned Kenyan conservationist, Dr Richard Leakey, who...
DRC: Volcanic eruption may be imminent
Local radio are reporting that Nyamulagira volcano, near Goma, is showing intense activity, suggeting that an eruption may be imminent.